Graphics overlay vendors?

[testingguy]

I'm using inkjet-produced graphics overlays for prototypes and they work great but now I need to find a source who make them in small runs (~25 per order).

The bare aluminum panel is 70 x 134mm and the panel has 3 tact switches poking thru and a single LCD cutout. So the overlay would need to be molded over the tact switches but nothing tricky. I'm assuming polyester or polycarbonate overlay material, or similar.

Any recommendations for firms that have competitive small run prices? (Google spits up a ton of companies that do these things...)

Thanks,

Chris B.

[Mike Warren]

I have no idea, but am very interested in the topic. I just got a quote for some small Lexan labels and 500 costs less than twice the price of 100.

[testingguy]

I sent out a bunch of RFQs today so I'll share what I find from US vendors.  I'm still amazed at how many companies do this. I did notice that several of the US companies were showing direct association with a facility in China where they probably get the actual work done dirt cheap.

Chris B.

[mamalala]

Do you need monochrome or multi-colour?

If monochrome is OK for you, check out Alucorex:

http://www.bungard.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26%3Aalucorex&catid=3%3Abungard-produkte&Itemid=77&lang=english

That way you can make your own nice front panels quite easily. Dunno about a supplier local to you, however. If in doubt contact Bungard directly, they are usually quite friendly and helpful.

Greetings,

Chris

Edit: You may also want to check for a small screen-printing rig, like those used for printing t-shirts. Basically it is just a frame with a screen fixed to it under tension. You apply an emulsion to the screen and let it dry, then you expose and develop it. Afterwards you can use that to apply ink paste with a squeegee to whatever flat object you have under it. You may end up spending 100 bucks or so for a basic kit, but aafter that the running costs are only the photo-emulsion, the chemical to remove the emulsion layer from a used screen, the ink and the photo (litograhpic) film used to do the exposure.

[testingguy]

Mamalala, thanks much for the suggestions. I'm looking for a full color process but I did take a look at the Bungard site. Looks like a good supplier. As far as setting up to do that in-house I'm looking to outsource the labor for front panel metal and overlays.  If volumes ever get to the point that margins matter I'll certainly consider it.

I expect to start getting quotes from US vendors starting tomorrow.

Chris B.